How can we teach children to think twice before posting photos of themselves or their friends? 

Parenting Perspective 

In a world of instant sharing, teaching children to pause and think before posting a photo is a crucial safety and character lesson. The goal is to build a habit of mindful sharing. 

Explain the Permanence of Online Content 

Gently help your child understand that once a photo is online, it can be copied and shared in ways they can no longer control. Explain that even if they delete it, copies can still exist elsewhere forever. 

Discuss Respect for Others’ Privacy 

Teach them the golden rule of online sharing: just as they have a right to their own privacy, so do their friends and family. Make it a firm rule to always ask for permission before posting a photo of someone else. 

Use a Simple ‘Comfort Test’ 

Give them a simple test to use before they post. Encourage them to pause and ask themselves, ‘Would I be happy for my teacher or my grandparents to see this photo?’ If the answer is no, it is a clear sign that it should not be shared online. 

Show Real-Life Examples 

Without using scary examples, you can show them how a seemingly harmless photo, like one in a school uniform, can give away personal information. This helps them to understand the risks in a concrete way. 

These conversations empower them to protect both their own digital footprint and the privacy of others. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam places great importance on protecting the honour and dignity of every individual. This principle is a powerful guide for our conduct online, especially when it comes to sharing images. 

Protecting Honour and Modesty 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hujurat (49), Verse 12: 

‘And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it…’ 

This powerful analogy reminds us that protecting someone’s dignity and privacy is a sacred trust, and being careless with what we share about them is a serious matter. 

Seeking Permission is Part of Good Manners 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 3514, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘If a man were to look into your home without permission and you were to put out his eye with a pebble, there would be no blame on you.’ 

This teaches us the immense importance Islam places on seeking consent before intruding into someone’s private space, a principle that extends to sharing their photos online. 

By linking the act of posting photos to these core Islamic values, we teach children that respecting privacy is not just a safety rule, but an essential part of being a person of faith and good character.